Not to mention to effect of interrupted sleep, reducing the chance to achieve the deepest level of sleep — REM. REM is where I do my best work. It means everything to me.

In my attempts to develop a sleep deprivation avoidance strategy, one piece of advice has stuck with me.

Sleep when the baby sleeps.

Even if it’s a short nap. Or multiple short naps. Or 2 minutes with your eyes closed. First off, let go of any resistance you might have to napping. You’re not being lazy.

Studies have shown a brief nap after lunch improves alertness and performance. Naps also can minimize your risk of having an accident due to sleep deprivation. A study of shift workers found that eliminating naps resulted in a 38% increase in accidents. And the less sleep you get the higher the risk.

Forget about the dishes — prioritize your naps

The average baby naps 2 to 4 times a day during their first year. Huge opportunity.

I’ll be using this time to take a 20- to 30-minute rest. For me the benefits outweigh the time investment.

My new parent sleep deprivation avoidance strategy

(Need to warn you that I am already a pro napper — I have a 20 minute nap daily)

Objective: Retain my sanity by maximizing napping opportunities.

Delivery plans:

Limit naps to 20 minutes: Despite how much I’d love to extend the nap to 9.5 hours. I’ll allow myself to take 2x20 minute naps if the baby is sleeping for a few hours.

Get Google Assistant to set the alarm: HEY GOOGLE WAKE ME UP IN 20 MINUTES (you’ll never turn back after this gem).

Strategically use human capital: Invite visitors to ‘see the baby,’ open the door, give them the baby. Go and nap. Wake up. Take the baby back. Wave goodbye. Calculate value created by human capital. Repeat invite.

All achieved by sleeping when the baby sleeps… at least 3 naps per day.

Good luck for any parents-to-be out there! I’ll be thinking of you as I put this into practice!

PS — check out how AWESOME the Google Assistant is at setting my alarm. No fuss, 100% on time, everytime.

All you need to do is ask!

Michael Ashton is the Growth Lead of Silentmode, a techwear and wellness company that unlocks the power of breathing. Through immersive physical products, guided breathwork and a connected ecosystem, Silentmode maximises and optimises rest and performance naturally.